Sustainable agroecosystem

Module SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF CROPPING SYSTEMS

At the end of the course, the student should be familiar with the topics covered in the program and be able to apply this knowledge in the agricultural field.

Furthermore, the student will improve critical thinking and judgment through activities that develop these skills, such as laboratory tests and report writing.

Finally, the student will develop the ability to communicate what has been learned and have the tools to continue his studies independently at the end of the course.

Outline of General Agronomy

Soil degradation, erosion, salinity, phytoremediation techniques

Soil management: (i) Agronomic management of irrigation, timing of irrigation, (ii) soil tillage and conservative techniques

Crop physiology

Sustainable Agriculture and Organic Farming

1. Agronomy (Edises, Italian Society of Agronomy)

2. Fundamentals of Agronomy (Bonciarelli F.)

3. Business and Environmental Agronomy (Giardini)

4. Teacher's Notes

Learning verification methods:

- Written reports of field visits

- Written report and Power Point presentation on one of the program topics

- Final oral exam

The assessment of the student's preparation will be based on the following criteria: 

- Knowledge and understanding of the topic

- Ability to analyze, synthesize and expose

- Reasoning skills through a systems approach

- Appropriate use of references

Student assessment will be carried out according to the following grid:

unsuitable: insufficient knowledge and skills

18-20: sufficient knowledge and skills

21-23: Discrete knowledge and skills

24-26: good knowledge and skills

27-29: distinct knowledge and skills

30-30 cum laude: excellent knowledge and skills

Learning verification may also be carried out electronically, if conditions require it. 

As a guarantee of the principle of equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, interested students can request a personal interview to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, based on the teaching objectives and specific needs. You can also contact the CinAP (Centre for Active and Participated Integration — Disability Services and/or DSA) contact teacher of the Department (https://www.cinap.unict.it/content/referenti).

Sustainable agriculture concept

Soil fertility and techniques to regenerate it

Agricultural biodiversity and strategies to protect and enhance it

Sustainable cropping systems